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At the age of 10, I discovered a article in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, held annually every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My family had helped out at the very first contest starting from 1996 – mom gave out flyers, my dad organized the music. Ever since, domestic competitions have been held all across the world, with the winners assembling in Oulu each August.

Initially, I requested permission if I could compete. At first they were hesitant; the show was in a bar, and there would be an older crowd. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

As a kid, I was always “playing” air guitar, acting out to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. Mom and Dad were music fans – dad loved The Boss and U2. the Australian rockers was the original act I found independently. the guitarist, the lead guitarist, was my idol.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to the band's Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, reminiscent of the live recording, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I advanced to the last round, performing to a large audience in the town square, and I was captivated. I earned the moniker “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a referee one year, and kicked off the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I returned at 18, tried a few different stage names, but fans continued using “Little Angus” so I accepted it fully and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I came second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

Our global network is like a support system. Our motto is ‘Play air guitar, avoid battles’. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Contestants have a short window to give everything – high-powered performance, flawless imitation, performance charm – on an nonexistent axe. Adjudicators score you on a scale from 4.0 to 6.0. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a track is selected and you improvise.

Training is crucial. I chose an a metal group song for my act. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my lower body loose enough to jump, my digits quick enough to copy riffs and my back set for those gestures and hops. When the event arrived, I could feel the song in my being.

Once all acts were done, the points were announced, and I had drawn with the Japanese champion, a competitor known as Sudo-chan – it was moment for an air-off. We went head-to-head to that classic rock anthem by the rock group. When I heard the song, I felt comforted because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to perform one more time. Once the results were read I’d emerged victorious, the square exploded.

It's all a bit fuzzy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then the crowd started performing the classic tune that well-known track and hoisted me on to their backs. Justin Howard – AKA Nordic Thunder – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was embracing me. I wept. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar world champion in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the warmest embrace and said it was “about damn time”.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. Though it appears comical, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and everyone is supportive and encouraging. As you prepare to compete, all participants offers an embrace. Then for 60 seconds you’re allowed to be yourself, humorous, the biggest rock star in the world.

I’m also a percussionist and string player in a musical act with my sibling called the Southgates, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re inspired by Britpop and new wave. I’ve been working in bars for a few years now, and I direct mini movies and performance clips. Winning hasn’t affected my daily activities drastically but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I hope it brings more artistic projects. My hometown will be a European capital of culture next year, so there are exciting things ahead.

At present, I’m just grateful: for the group, for the ability to compete, and for that budding enthusiast who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”